Island Town Trades Guns for Rice in Push to Protect Peace in Daram, Samar

Posted on Jan. 6, 2026 at 1:21 pm

DARAM, Samar — Just off the western coast of Samar lies the island municipality of Daram, which can only be reached by boat. This place is home to close-knit coastal communities where life truly revolves around the sea. With a population exceeding 42, 000 most of its residents depend on fishing, seaweed farming, small-scale agriculture, and daily-wage jobs to support their families. In a community where everyone knows each other, peace and safety aren’t just lofty ideals—they are everyday necessities.

In places like Daram, just one firearm can really shake up the delicate balance of peace. Conflicts that could easily be resolved through conversation have the potential to escalate into violence, especially on an island where getting emergency help quickly can be a challenge. This is why the initiative “Bigas Kapalit ng Baril” (Rice for Guns) holds significant importance in this context.

Kicking off in July 2025, a collaboration between the Samar Provincial Government and the Philippine National Police has given rise to a unique program. It encourages locals to hand over unregistered firearms in exchange for a sack of rice and some cash. For many families on the island, rice isn’t just a food staple; it represents security and stability. By connecting public safety with essential needs, this initiative acknowledges the daily challenges of island life and invites the community to join in the journey toward peace.

This quiet yet significant initiative took shape in Barangay Astorga on November 21, when a local resident decided to surrender a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver that had been tucked away for quite some time. There was no fanfare or pressure involved. The firearm was handed directly to Police Major Rio M. Tan, the Chief of Police at the Daram Municipal Police Station (MPS).

Almost a month later, on December 15, the promise of the program came to life. The resident received a sack of rice and a cash reward—simple items, yet they hold profound meaning in a community where every day is a struggle for survival.

For PMAJ Tan, this exchange symbolizes something far more significant than just the reward: it’s about trust.

`Ang layunin ng gantimpalang ito ay upang mabawasan ang bilang ng mga ilegal na baril sa komunidad at mapahusay ang kaligtasan ng publiko,’ PMAJ Tan explained. (The goal of this reward is to reduce the number of illegal firearms in the community and enhance public safety)

He emphasized that illegal guns pose serious dangers in small island communities like Daram, where misunderstandings can escalate rapidly and help might be hours away. He believes that cutting down on loose firearms is a proactive measure—one that can save lives before violence erupts.

The Daram MPS continues to encourage residents to turn in unregistered weapons and to report any activities involving illegal firearms. Police are convinced that community cooperation, especially in remote areas, is one of the strongest shields against crime.

For fishermen setting out to sea before dawn, for farmers tending to their small plots, and for families living along the coast, Bigas Kapalit ng Baril is more than just a government program. It represents a collective commitment—to safeguard lives, maintain peace, and ensure the island remains a safe haven for raising children.

In Daram, every gun surrendered eliminates a hidden danger. And every sack of rice given is a reminder that peace, much like food, needs to be nurtured together.

The Bigas Kapalit ng Baril program, which kicked off in July 2025, is still ongoing as of this writing.